Our Compassionate Crusaders
At Hope Loves Company, we are proud to have a dedicated team whose combined years of experience, passion, and expertise make our mission possible. Get to know the people behind our organization who are committed to serving the ALS community and making a difference in the lives of families affected by this disease.
MEET OUR FOUNDING MEMBERS
& ADVISORS
Jodi O'Donnell-Ames
Founding Member
Jodi O'Donnell Ames is the Founder of HLC. She lost her husband, Kevin Gerard O'Donnell to ALS when she was 35 years old and her daughter Alina was eight. Her current husband Benton Ames was also widowed because of ALS. Jodi is an author of three books and speaks professionally on topics such as ALS, caregiving and communications. She has a TEDx and has received many awards, including the College of NJ's Alumni Humanitarian Award.
Warren Benton Ames
Founding Member
Warren Benton Ames, co-founder of Hope Loves Company, retired from Exxon Mobil and is now the Facilities Manager at Global Neuroscience Institute in Pennington, NJ. His first wife, Tina Singer Ames, lost her battle with ALS in 2000 and is the author of our popular ALS children's book, "What Did You Learn Today?"
Jack Tatar
Founding Member
Jack is the managing partner of Doyle Capital, a venture fund that invests in early-stage companies in transformative technology sectors. He is the co-author of two best-selling books, including "Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor's Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond."
Dr. Ron Suzuki, MD
Founding Member
Ron is a family practitioner and an acupuncturist with offices in Pennington and Plainsboro, NJ. He is affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson Hospital and has been a dedicated volunteer at Camp HLC, offering his medical expertise and support.
Linda Cassidy
Founding Member & Advisor
Linda is a self-employed Environmental Health and Safety Consultant with over 20 years of experience, primarily with laboratories and healthcare facilities. She is an active volunteer and advisor who is thrilled to be a part of the Hope Loves Company mission.
Keiren Dunfee
Founding Member & Advisor
Keiren is a Client Communications Graphic Designer who is passionate about both her creative work and her advocacy. She serves as the captain of the O'Donnell-Ames fundraising team, one of the top fundraising teams for the ALS Out and Back Run in Philadelphia.
Jamie Bachrach
Advisor
Jamie is the Corporate Communications Manager for Hollister Incorporated. She brings a strong background in communications, event planning, and fundraising, and is committed to making a larger impact with HLC after volunteering for years.
Charnelle Bain
Advisor
Charnelle is a co-owner of Simply Elegant Events. After becoming a full-time caregiver for her husband, who has ALS, she has dedicated herself to supporting the ALS community and providing invaluable guidance to HLC.
Claudiu Hida
Advisor
Claudiu, who studied information systems in Germany, initiated the Munevo project, a company that develops a new type of electric wheelchair steering using smart glasses. He was nominated for the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe list for his work.
Laura Higday
Advisor
Laura is a professional with a background in financial literacy and education. She has experience teaching students from pre-K to 12th grade and has been a dedicated advocate for the ALS community since her mother passed away from the disease in 2005.